DC Circ. Says FAA Drone Rule Can't Apply To Model Aircraft

Law360, Washington (May 19, 2017, 3:38 PM EDT) -- The D.C. Circuit on Friday vacated the Federal Aviation Administration’s drone registration rule to the extent it applies to model aircraft, finding the agency does not have the authority to regulate such aircraft under a 2012 law.

Recreational model aircraft hobbyist John A. Taylor had challenged the FAA’s registration process for small unmanned aircraft, which are commonly known as drones, on the grounds that the regulator's final rule that was issued in late 2015 unfairly extends to model aircraft. In agreeing with Taylor, a three-judge panel pointed to Congress’ passage of the FAA Modernization and Reform Act in 2012, which says the agency...

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